Families Take Stand Against Sex Trafficking

Human sex trafficking happens in Minnesota like anyplace else. Each month, at least 213 girls are sold for sex through the Internet and escort services. Having a healthy family lowers the risk, says Stephanie Holt, of Mission 21.”The biggest risk factor is broken homes,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s both parents or a single parent. Kids who aren’t connecting with their parents regularly, not doing family things, are the ones most at risk.”

What is a parent to do?

First, learn about the public problem.

Tailor your message about human sex trafficking to your child’s age.

Be aware of who is talking with and paying attention to your child. Is your child receiving free stuff from someone?

Pay attention to technology use.

Parents can tap other resources to teach children about, and help prevent, human sex trafficking.

— Host a Mission 21 Human Trafficking Awareness Class for your friends and family. To make arrangements for a free class, email awareness@mission21mn.org.

— Read the book, “Safe Kids, Smart Parents: What Parents Need to Know to Keep Their Children Safe,” by Rebecca Bailey, Ph.D., to better understand age-appropriate ways of communicating safety concerns to children.